Kooinda Converter German Ale

For those who live in Canberra: On tap at The Durham, get it now before they change kegs! This beer is a bit of an anomaly, Kooinda (not unlike the CIA) seem to have disavowed any knowledge of this brew as there is nothing on their website, no marketing, no label to refer to, nada. They call it a “German Ale”, a very non-descript term, and the only thing it comes close to is a Kölsch (but it isn’t really a Kölsch). IMHO Kooinda need to update their website.

Poured from tap into a nonic pint.

A: Hazy Pale straw body with a nice firm half centimetre white head. So it definitely looks like a straight up Kölsch, which is why (until Kooinda say otherwise) I am calling this beer a Kölsch. 8/10.

S: Fruity esters of overripe apple and a distinct earthy note caresses the nostrils. There is a touch of nuttiness milling around as well. A tasty almost farmhouse ale nose. This is where Kölsch gets left out on some desert highway to hopefully hitch its way back home. 6/10.

T: Nice! As above only the apple esters take the back seat while the nuttiness comes to the fore. It’s sweet but not cloying. Touches of earthy hops provide a light bitterness and we are greeted by that classic German long dry finish that says “Guten tag! Haben sie bitte noch einen schluck”. 7/10.

M: Smooth, medium bodied with a creamy carbonation. There is the tiniest touch of prickliness there as well. 8/10.

D: Pretty nice drop, also an interesting change from all the APA’s I’ve been drinking. Kooinda hit that tasty spot yet again. However their lack of presence on their own website is a bit of an annoyance for beer reviewers, specifically me right now. It’s not a Kölsch in aroma or flavour but it is enjoyable nonetheless. Only detraction of points from me is due to my personal beer taste preferences being towards bolder, hoppier, and darker beers. As they say “Horses for those things they go round”, prost! 7/10.

Food match: German styled cuisine; I was imagining this with roast pork, apple sauce, fried potato with chopped bacon and onion, and some spätzle (a type of German pasta).